Just brought home: '64 Stepside SWB

[javadoc]

Thought I'd introduce myself here. The missus and I had been talking about getting an older truck to fix up, and last weekend found a 'non-basket case' '64 Stepside, 283, 4speed stick, and a very short rear end gear. It's in pretty good shape, the body's good, engine runs okay, but oh man, it doesn't stop. Disc brakes (and a drop) are one of the first orders of business!

At any rate, this is the first time that I've had something w/a carb in about 20yrs, back when I was in high school and had an El Camino, and it's going to be fun making the truck cherry. I'm a total car-nut but most of my experience has been in turbo-charged Volvos (my current ride is a 300awhp/360ft-lbs) V70R, so this is a marked change.

This weekend, we're going to attempt to put in an HEI and toss the points ignition... and tune-up and fluids change. It currently likes to stall if I pull it out of gear when coming to a stoplight. The idle dips, so hopefully that's a simple fix.

Glad to see this site is here and I'll be doing a TON of reading to bone up on knowledge. I'll try not to ask too many bone-headed questions.

Cheers,

Scott

[PrerunnerRob]

Welcome from San Jose, CA! Feel free to ask anything, everyone here is well mannered and won't give you too hard of a time. Good luck on the new project, and if you need parts just ask around, everyone here has their favorite places to get stuff.

[javadoc]

Thanks, I'm just basically learning about this truck and what it has... like what rear end, because it is geared LOW. I'd like to swap the rear so it won't rev so badly... too many freeways around here to be happy running at 70mph with what I am guessing is a 4.11 rear end. Again, I'm a total newb to these. Ask me how to soup up a 5cyl Volvo and I could answer in my sleep, but not these. It's fun learning though.

Plus, who doesn't just love the smell of "old car" in their garage, right?

[fercho71]

welcome from San Diego

[BIG CTY]

Originally Posted by fercho71

welcome from San Diego

Indeed it is! And welcome from Virginia. Where are the pics man?!

[04Xrider]

Welcome from Cookson OKlahoma: Enjoy your new project. I would guess that is your new truck in your avatar?

[javadoc]

Originally Posted by 04Xrider

Welcome from Cookson OKlahoma: Enjoy your new project. I would guess that is your new truck in your avatar?

Yessir, and thank you.

[Chevy Fleetside]

If the points are old and the dwell is off on them the engine will act like you say it is.. I am sure the HEI will wake it up.. The easy to hook it up is to tap into the pink wire to the ignition switch. Don't use the original distributor wire. If you know all this then disregard it.. I am sure you will have fun like all of us do.

[joehalford01]

welcome dude, my wife's car is a five cylinder 850 volvo, still stock but she wants to pump it up (or maybe i do ) anyways, welcome to the board.

[satin64]

i also have a 64 swb but a gmc.and it too has those great 4:11 gears,but not for long.

[Stepside65]

Welcome from blazin New Mexico. We all love to help each other out so don't be shy on the questions. Now how about some pics of that truck?

[javadoc]

Originally Posted by Stepside65

Welcome from blazin New Mexico. We all love to help each other out so don't be shy on the questions. Now how about some pics of that truck?

Yeah, gotta get it out of the garage (wife actually gave up her berth for the truck!) and snap some photos. I have to go look at parts (springs, shocks, bench seat) for it today anyway.

thanks for the warm welcome! Joe, you can contact me about waking up that Volvo 850. I had one for 7yrs and know them inside and out.

[Jdub]

Awesome truck man! Welcome from oklahoma!

[Ogilthorpe]

Welcome from Boulder! I'm sure you'll find tons of help on this site - ask away.

[L0WRIDE]

welcome to the boards sounds like you've got an Awesome truck man

[sanford66]

Volvo's-they make great demolition derby cars! I know i've ran a couple. But hey, good luck with the truck! It looks like a great start. Joe

[ChiefRocka]

Welcome Javadoc....here too from San Jose Ca.....

Lets get some pics going !!!!

[javadoc]

Finally found the cable for my camera! Here's a few quick snapshots of the truck... which the kids have of course named "Mater." Put over 400miles on it in the two weeks that I've had it.

Definitely not perfect but not bad for $2k I think.

[19GMC63]

not bad?!?! Looks like you did awesome for 2k. I have more than that in the GMC and its not nearly as nice as this truck.
Nice find.

[Woogeroo]

for 2 k, and it's running? SCORE!

-W

[1963chevyshort]

Looks pretty good are you going to keep it a stepside?

[javadoc]

Originally Posted by 1963chevyshort

Looks pretty good are you going to keep it a stepside?

Yeah, definitely going to keep it a stepside. I've always liked the look. I've gotta find a cheap way to change the gearing though... it's so short-geared that it's incredible.

Thanks guys. I was having second thoughts as to if it was a good deal or not. It smokes on occasion, but starts well (when cold!) and looks pretty good.

[Demmit_Hemmit's 65]

Nice lookin ride..........................Welcome from Indiana..........Hemmit

[Stepside65]

Looking like that and running? Can we say steal?

[fercho71]

nice truck u got there man thanks for those pic's u got a good deal man !!!!!!